Longer trains, extra platforms, new stations and simplified track layouts – just some of the proposals put forward on10 November 2006 by Network Rail to cope with a predicted increase in passengers in the north west of up to 13% over the next 10 years.
On the list of options under review are:-
* Relocating Salford Crescent station approximately 400 metres further north to a better site away from the current bottleneck
* An additional hourly train between Manchester and Blackpool, plus improved line speeds on the route
* A third platform at Manchester Airport station to give greater operational flexibility
* Reinstating Olive Mount freight chord onto the Bootle branch from the Huyton direction to give greater capacity and capability
* Better freight capability achieved by such things as faster junction speeds, increased loop lengths, improved loading gauge and route availability

Almost 80 options are set out in a draft strategy that aims to improve busy routes, boost the capacity of the network and increase punctuality of train services.

Launching Network Rail’s draft North West Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), Chief Executive, John Armitt, said: “The railway in the North West is a successful one and many routes are busy. Punctuality from the major train operators is high and improving, and passenger numbers are increasing as a result. This strategy looks at where the growth may require increases in capacity, for example, more or longer trains on certain busy routes. “It looks at the challenges facing the rail industry in the North West. It presents a series of ambitious but realistic options for getting the best out of the network to cope with the predicted passenger growth over the next ten years.”
Other proposals for consideration include:
* Additional platforms at Manchester Piccadilly
* Making more use out of Manchester Victoria
* Redeveloping Guide Bridge as an interchange station
 
More trains could call at Eccles station, which might be developed as an interchange with Metrolink, and a suggested new station might be possible at Cornbrook – again as an interchange with Metrolink. Additional trains are suggested for the Manchester – Liverpool corridor and peak trains lengthened.

The RUS also proposes the closure of three little-used stations: Ardwick, Denton and Reddish South.  Ardwick, for example, is used by fewer than five passengers each day.

Mr Armitt added: “The delivery of a cost effective and affordable railway to the country means it is sometimes necessary to make tough choices.  Reducing the costs of the railway is a hugely important priority. It is only by doing so that resources can be released in order to meet demand on more popular routes.”

The process of producing a RUS is led by Network Rail on behalf of the rail industry. The company has been working for the past year with its key transport partners in the North West (including Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, the Association of Train Operating Companies, the freight operating companies, GMPTE, Merseytravel, DfT and ORR) to develop the draft strategy.

Mr Armitt concluded: “Consultation is key to coming up with the right answers and we look forward to hearing the views of a wide range of interested parties, including local authorities and regional development agencies.  The final strategy document will present policy makers with a factual analysis, allowing them to make decisions on what projects should be funded and taken forward.”

The consultation period will last until 5 January 2007. Further rigorous analysis and appraisal will be done on the options to ensure that only those offering greatest benefit to passengers and best value for money are included in the final strategy, which will be published in spring 2007.